11. West India Docks Information & History
The original docks consisted of an Import Dock of 30 acres of water, later named North Dock, and an Export Dock of 24 acres, later named Middle Dock. The docks had a combined capability to berth over 600 vessels. Robert Milligan was largely responsible for the construction of the West India Docks. He was wealthy West Indies merchant, who returned to London having previously managed his family's Jamaica sugar plantations. Outraged at losses due to theft, Milligan headed a group of powerful businessmen who planned and built West India Docks. The Docks were authorised by the West India Dock Act 1799. The Docks were constructed in two phases. The two northern-most docks were constructed between 1800 and 1802 (opened on 27 August 1802). The southern-most dock, the South West India Dock, later known as South Dock, was constructed in the 1860s, the City Canal. In 1909 the West India Docks were taken over by the PLA.More at wikipedia | also read british-history.ac.uk >View Photos of here and nearby locations|Buy Prints